Japanese game creators discuss 2025 ambitions [Update]
Your annual dose of hints and teases for the new year.
4Gamer.net has published the 2025 edition of its annual end-of-year interviews with Japanese game creators. The website interviewed 164 creators this year, several of which tease new titles and announcements to come in 2025.
Get the notable tidbits below.
Kenji Satou
(Known for River City: Rival Showdown, River City Saga: Three Kingdoms Next)
—Ambitions for 2025
“In 2024, I was able to complete the story of River City Saga: Three Kingdoms through to its final stages, and with that, I am relieved that we were able to bring the Three Kingdoms saga to a close. In 2025, I aim to create a new River City title that will be well received by fans both new and old. I also hope to shine a spotlight on not just River City, but on other titles from Technos Japan as well. Please keep an eye out for future River City-related developments! Thank you for your continued support!”
Kei Nanameda
(Known for the Death end re;Quest series, Mary Skelter series)
—Ambitions for 2025
“Looking ahead to 2025, Todokero! Tatakae! Calamity Angels continues to be in diligent development. I apologize for the wait. We’re working hard to create a cheerful and fun slapstick comedy, so I hope you’ll look forward to it!”
Hikaru Yasui
(Known for Madou Monogatari: Fia and the Mysterious School, Touhou Spell Carnival, Neptunia Riders VS Dogoos)
—Ambitions for 2025
“2025 will be a milestone year as we celebrate the 15th anniversary of Neptunia. We’re preparing exciting plans for our fans and putting all our efforts into developing the latest numbered Neptunia game. The entire staff is working hard alongside Tsunako, so please look forward to new developments!”
■ ATLUS
Shinjirou Takata
(Known for the Devil Survivor series, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE, Shin Megami Tensei V, and Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance)
—Ambitions for 2025
“I’m hoping we can announce a title as soon as possible. The team is currently working as hard as they can to make sure our fans can enjoy it to the fullest.”
Naoya Maeda
(Known for Persona 5, the Persona Q series, and Persona 5 Tactica)
—Ambitions for 2025
“It’s already been a year since the release of Persona 5 Tactica. Unfortunately, I can’t share details about the title I’m currently working on, but I’m confident it will offer players a new experience.”
Takuya Aizu
(Known for the Azure Striker Gunvolt series, Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon series, Grim Guardians series, Card-en-Ciel)
—Ambitions for 2025
“And in 2025, we plan to release several titles, including Grim Guardians: Servants of the Dark, which will launch digitally on March 27 and physically on April 24… furthermore, to those wondering ‘will there be a sequel to this game or that game?,’ I’m sure we’ll have some good news to share, so please look forward to future updates!”
Lee Dong-jun
(Known for Breakers: Unlock the World)
—Ambitions for 2025
“To those who are waiting for Breakers, we’re planning to release more information in 2025 and are putting all our efforts into preparing a beta version to gather your feedback. We’re aiming for a Q4 2025 release, so we would greatly appreciate your continued support. Thank you so much!”
Hajime Chikami
(Known for the Demon Gaze series, Spirit Hunter series, Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi)
—Ambitions for 2025
“Next year, we plan to release the hack-and-slash RPG Monkarufanta, which we’ve had a tough time developing, as well as the tentatively titled Demon Kill Demon, a return to dungeon RPGs being developed on a separate pipeline. Demon Kill Demon is set in the same world as Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi, but it is a new title, not a sequel. While the protagonists of Undernauts were working adults looking to get rich quick, this time the story revolves around ordinary students and teachers who get caught up in an incident and must work together to escape from a dungeon.”
—Monkarufanta Logo
—Demon Kill Demon Character Artwork
■ M2
Naoki Horii
(Known for Aleste Branch)
—Ambitions for 2025
“All of the titles that were supposed to be announced (or even released) this year have slid into next year, so 2025 should be a fun and exciting year for those who follow M2’s games. Unexpected titles (or games) might or might not appear from unexpected places. When I say they might not, I’m taking into account the possibility of the company exploding, but at least the ones that have gone gold should be released, right? (So don’t worry too much.)”
—Aleste Branch Screenshots
Goichi “Suda 51” Suda
(Known for the No More Heroes series, killer7, Shadows of the Damned, The Silver Case series)
—Ambitions for 2025
“I’ll announce a new title. Err, maybe. For sure.”
■ Koei Tecmo Games / Ruby Party
Mei Erikawa
(Known for La Corda D’Oro: Starlight Orchestra, Touken Ranbu Warriors, Buddy Mission BOND)
—Ambitions for 2025
“The Harukanaru Toki no Naka de series will celebrate its 25th anniversary in April 2025! We’re making preparations to announce a project that will make everyone happy, so please look forward to it! We’re also hard at work on the development of new Neo Romance game(s), so please wait a little longer for details.”
■ Koei Tecmo Games / Omega Force
Sho Tomohiko
(Known for Dynasty Warriors 3 to 6, Dynasty Warriors: Origins, Dragon Quest Heroes I and II, Dragon Quest Champions, Fate/Samurai Remnant)
—Ambitions for 2025
“In 2025, we’d first like as many people as possible to enjoy Dynasty Warriors: Origins, which will be released on January 17… And that’s not all for Omega Force in 2025. In our continued efforts to deliver the best games in the future, we’re working hard on various titles, and we hope to make an interesting announcement before spring arrives. We would be grateful if you continue to keep an eye on Omega Force!”
■ Koei Tecmo Games / AAA Studio
Yosuke Hayashi
(Known for Rise of the Ronin, the Nioh series, WILD HEARTS, the Ninja Gaiden series, the Dead or Alive series, the Hyrule Warriors series, the Fire Emblem series)
—Ambitions for 2025
“2025 should be a year where we can announce and deliver various titles, including the AAA studio title I’m currently in charge of. I hope this year brings even greater excitement to the entertainment format that is video games.”
■ Koei Tecmo Games / Team NINJA
Fumihiko Yasuda
(Known for Rise of the Ronin, the Nioh series, the Ninja Gaiden series)
—Ambitions for 2025
“In 2025, Team NINJA will celebrate its 30th anniversary, and we hope to announce and release titles fitting for the occasion.”
■ Konami Digital Entertainment
Noriaki Okamura
(Known for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Momotaro Dentetsu World: Chikyuu wa Kibou de Mawatteru!, Momotaro Dentetsu: Showa, Heisei, Reiwa mo Teiban!, Super Bomberman R)
—Ambitions for 2025
“Our top priority is to deliver a polished and high-quality Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater to our fans. At the same time, for the Momotaro Dentetsu series, another project I’m in charge of, we’re continuing to develop new and exciting initiatives, such as exhibiting at the World Expo with the Japanese Cabinet Office. Please look forward to what’s coming next.”
Motoi Okamoto
(Known for Silent Hill 2, Silent Hill f)
—Ambitions for 2025
“In 2024, we successfully released Silent Hill 2 to high praise from fans. What remains now are the already announced titles Silent Hill f and Silent Hill: Townfall. We’re working hard on both titles to meet fans’ expectations. We’ll do our best to be able to deliver new updates.”
■ Cygames
Yasuyuki Kaji
(Known for Granblue Fantasy: Relink)
—Ambitions for 2025
“In 2024, we successfully released Granblue Fantasy: Relink, a game we’ve poured a lot of time and effort into, including its downloadable content, and it was enjoyed by many players. A big thank you to everyone who played it. I’m currently working hard on a new game. While I’m not sure if we’ll have anything to share by the end of 2025, the entire Cygames team is working diligently to create exciting new content, so please look forward to it!”
(Known for Garnet Arena: Mages of Magicary, the Senran Kagura series, Red Ninja: End of Honor)
—Ambitions for 2025
“While we weren’t able to share any news yet, we’re continuing to work hard on Garnet Arena: Mages of Magicary. Every year, amazing new games are released by the dozens, but we’re still moving forward with our next game with great confidence. I would appreciate your patience as you look forward to it.”
Hiroshi Matsuyama
(Known for the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm series, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles series, the .hack series, the Fuga: Melodies of Steel series)
—Ambitions for 2025
“In 2025, we plan to release Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2 (published by Aniplex), both of which we’re developing. Both of these titles will be masterpieces, so please look forward to them! 2025 will also be a countdown year with various announcements as we approach our 30th anniversary in February 2026, so please look forward to it.”
Hiroyuki Kobayashi
(Known for the Resident Evil series, the Devil May Cry series, the Sengoku BASARA series, and the Dragon’s Dogma series)
—Ambitions for 2025
“I’m grateful to everyone as GPTACK50, the studio I lead, successfully celebrated its second anniversary in October 2024. We’re making great progress on the development of our consumer game intended for a worldwide release. With the theme song and logo now completed, I think we’ll finally be able to announce the title in 2025. We can’t wait to show our fans the company’s brand-new action RPG. Please look forward to it!”
(Known for the Dragon Quest series, the NieR series)
—Ambitions for 2025
“2025 will be a milestone year as it marks the 15th anniversary of the NieR series, so I’d like to do something for it! What should we do… maybe something with the next game, or developments related to that… I’ve been hearing the fans’ expectations. It’s a bit tricky, though… That said, as I’ll likely be doing less direct work as a producer, I’d appreciate it if you could patiently look forward to what’s coming.”
Hiroshi Takai
(Known for Final Fantasy XVI, Final Fantasy V, SaGa Frontier, The Last Remnant)
—Ambitions for 2025
“Somehow, in 2024 I was fully occupied with work on Final Fantasy XVI, but in 2025 I will be working on something different. While I can’t share any specific details yet, I’ll continue to work hard in 2025. (Laughs.) I’m sure this work will lead to something that 4Gamer readers will enjoy.”
Takashi Tokita
(Known for LIVE A LIVE, Final Fantasy IV, the Hanjuku Hero series, the Nanashi no Game series)
—Ambitions for 2025
“We’re currently hard at work on a new title under the new structure of the reborn Square Enix. It may be a while before we’re able to tell you all about it, but we’d appreciate your continued support in 2025!”
Shohei Sakakibara
(Known for the Danganronpa series, Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE, Natsu-mon! 20th Century Summer Kid, etc.)
—Ambitions for 2025
“In 2025, we’ll be able to announce several unannounced titles. It will also be the 15th anniversary year of Danganronpa. I’m looking forward to celebrating it with all of our fans in various ways, so please continue to keep an eye on Spike Chunsoft!”
■ SEGA
Ryuta Ueda
(Known for Panzer Dragoon II: Zwei, Panzer Dragoon Saga, Yakuza, Yakuza 2, Jet Set Radio, Jet Set Radio Future, Rise of Nightmares, Demon Tribe, etc.)
—Ambitions for 2025
“I’m involved in the new Jet Set Radio game. Since my kid was born this year, it’s been difficult to fully dedicate myself to it, but I’m doing my best to create a game that carries on the spirit of the originals. Please look forward to new information!”
—Jet Set Radio Screenshot
Masayoshi Kikuchi
(Known for the Jet Set Radio series, the Like a Dragon series)
—Ambitions for 2025
“I’m still working away on the new Jet Set Radio game. 2025 is also the 25th anniversary of Jet Set Radio, so I’m thinking about how to celebrate it.”
Kotaro Uchikoshi
(Known for the AI: The Somnium Files series, the Zero Escape series, Ever17)
—Ambitions for 2025
“Other Too Kyo-related games [in addition to The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy] will be released one after another in 2025. Please be sure to check them out!”
Kazutaka Kodaka
(Known for the Danganronpa series, Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE)
—Ambitions for 2025
“The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy will be released on April 24, 2025. We’ve created it using all of our company’s assets and loans, as it’s Too Kyo Games’ first original intellectual property. If it doesn’t sell, we’re prepared to go bankrupt and retire, but we’ve put everything into making something worthwhile, so please look forward to it!”
Takumi Nakazawa
(Known for World’s End Club, Root Double: Before Crime * After Days, Ever17: The Out of Infinity)
—Ambitions for 2025
“I should finally be able to announce the game I’m creatively involved with next year. This one is interesting (and crazily so!) in a completely different way from The Hundred Line, so please keep an eye out for its reveal!”
■ Drecom
Yuki Ikeda
(Known for Rain, Tokyo Stories)
—Ambitions for 2025
“2024 came and went in the blink of an eye, but we’re still working hard every day to complete Tokyo Stories. I hope 2025 will be the year… maybe… but Tokyo Stories is gradually coming together, so I would appreciate it if you could patiently wait for it!”
Kento Johana
(Known for Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero, Process of Elimination)
—Ambitions for 2025
“I’d be happy if you could look forward to Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero, a completely new entry in the series coming more than 20 years after the release of the first game. I’m also hard at work on a new intellectual property that is as cute, touching, and overpowering as you’d expect from Nippon Ichi Software, so I’ll do my best to announce it as soon as possible. Please look forward to it!”
Kazutoki Kono
(Known for the Ridge Racer series, Ace Combat series)
—Ambitions for 2025
“We’re currently developing a new title in the Ace Combat series, and while challenges continue to arise every day, we’re fully dedicated and putting in all our efforts toward the day we can start to see results. It will still be a little while before we can announce the new title, but 2025 will also be the year we celebrate Ace Combat‘s 30th anniversary, so I’d like to get excited together with the fans.”
Keiichiro Toyama
(Known for the Silent Hill series, SIREN series, Gravity Rush series, Slitterhead)
—Ambitions for 2025
“After the release of our studio’s first title Slitterhead, I thought I’d be able to take a bit of a breather, but instead, it seems I’ve only become busier… We’ve started making preparations for our next project, but with a wider range of options, it’s been draining, but I’m also feeling a sense of accomplishment I haven’t felt in a long time.”
■ Meguro Works
(Known for the Persona series, Shin Megami Tensei series)
—Ambitions for 2025
“Development of Guns Undarkness, the title I’m developing solo, has been delayed again and again, but I think we should be able to release it in Early Access by spring of next year.”
■ LEVEL-5
Akihiro Hino
(Known for the Inazuma Eleven series, FANTASY LIFE series, Professor Layton series, Megaton Musashi series, Yo-kai Watch series)
—Ambitions for 2025
“I hope 2025 will be a ‘breakthrough’ year for LEVEL-5. We’re planning to release three major titles—FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road, and Professor Layton and the New World of Steam—simultaneously worldwide. Each title has been jam-packed with that ‘LEVEL-5 flair,’ while also being developed with the aim of offering a completely new experience. I want to deliver games that will satisfy fans and make them say, ‘This is just what I’ve been waiting for.'”
Famitsu Comments
Update 12/28/24: Here are some additional noteworthy comments from Famitsu’s version of the same article:
■ ArtPlay
Shutaro Iida
(Known for Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night)
—Ambitions for 2025
“I hope to unveil the sequel to Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night as soon as possible.”
Koji Igarashi
(Known for Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night)
—Ambitions for 2025
“I hope to release a new title this year.”
■ Idea Factory
Naoto Tominaga
(Known for Touhou Spell Carnival, Todokero! Tatakae! Calamity Angels<?em>)
—Ambitions for 2025
“We plan to continue our ambitious expansion in 2025. Specifically, we are preparing releases in genres we have not previously explored, as well as new intellectual properties. The entire staff is working together to bring you some exciting surprises. Please look forward to it.”
■ Capcom
Kei Hashimoto
(Known for Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy, Ace Attorney Investigations Collection)
—Ambitions for 2025
“2025 will mark the 10th anniversary of The Great Ace Attorney. Thank you so much! We are deeply grateful for all the support we’ve received from our fans, and we’re making preparations to ensure everyone can enjoy the 10th anniversary.”
■ Grasshopper Manufacture
Goichi “Suda 51” Suda
(Known for the No More Heroes series, killer7, Shadows of the Damned, The Silver Case series)
—Ambitions for 2025
“I think I’ll be able to announce a new title!”
■ Koei Tecmo Games / AAA Studio
Yosuke Hayashi
(Known for Rise of the Ronin, the Nioh series, WILD HEARTS, the Ninja Gaiden series, the Dead or Alive series, the Hyrule Warriors series, the Fire Emblem series)
—Ambitions for 2025
“In 2025, we’ll be able to deliver the first title from Koei Tecmo Games’ newly established development studio, AAA Studio. We’re currently hard at work on its development!”
■ Square Enix
Tomoya Asano
(Known for the Bravely Default series, Octopath Traveler series, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake)
—Ambitions for 2025
“This year [2025], we should be putting out the various things we’ve been preparing. Please look forward to what’s coming…!”
Akitoshi Kawazu
(Known for the SaGa series)
—Ambitions for 2025
“In 2024, we released the two titles SaGa Emerald Beyond and Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven. Both have demos available, so be sure to give them a try. We’re also making progress on preparations for the next title, so please look forward to it.”
Naoki Hamaguchi
(Known for Final Fantasy VII Remake, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth)
—Latest Update
“The development team, myself included, is putting all of our efforts into the third installment of the Final Fantasy VII Remake series. Development is progressing well, but please bear with us a little longer before new information is announced.”
■ PinCool
Ryutaro Ichimura
(Known for the Dragon Quest series)
—Ambitions for 2025
“We were supposed to announce our title in 2024, but due to various circumstances, we were unable to announce it, so I believe 2025 will be the year. The entire games industry is struggling, and global affairs are becoming increasingly chaotic, but in times like these, I hope our title can bring smiles to people’s faces.”
—Latest Update
“Development on the title we plan to announce is progressing well! Additionally, the title we’re working on with storynote’s Jin Fujisawa is nearly complete in terms of scenario, and we’ve reached the stage of finalizing the game systems. Please look forward to it!”